"We've all really gelled, the younger lads respect the older heads in the dressing room and want to learn." Coventry City's Chris Stokes

21 August 2015

Matt Joyce

The defender also wants to get on the scoresheet after he went close twice in midweek against Crewe...

Coventry City defender Chris Stokes believes that the Sky Blues good start to the season has been helped by the squad gelling off the pitch.

The Sky Blues go into the game at the weekend against Walsall with a 100% record in League One after wins over Wigan, Milwall and Crewe.

While the endeavour and quality of the players has been the main reason behind the success, Stokes is adamant that the atmosphere in the camp has been an additional influence.

"We're keeping our feet on the ground," Stokes said.

"The league doesn't take shape until around ten games anyway so we're not taking anything for granted.

"It's been a great start, from the outside looking in you'd probably say that with our pre-season it wasn't expected. In every position there's someone itching to get into the team and that's really crucial.

"But we've all really gelled. The younger lads respect the older heads in the dressing room and want to learn. It's a happy camp and everyone gets on, of course it helps that we're doing well but we all get on and it helps."

Stokes almost netted in the midweek win over Crewe on two occasions, the first was the keeper making a great save to deny him from four yards out and the second, an effort from inside the area, looked destined for the corner but the defender made an impressive block.

The 24-year old is enjoying being able to get forward as the team plays more expansive football and wants to chip in with two or three goals throughout the season.

He added: "I'm getting closer! I was close on Tuesday, the ball hit the keeper and it could have gone either way!

"There's a very attacking style at the moment, with the players we have up front we always look like scoring goals. That's a real positive for us, but we have to keep clean sheets too.

"There may be games when I'm required to sit back, like Wigan. But I do like to go forward, that's how I was brought up. We have a lot of possession so I can, and I'm hopeful of getting two or three goals to help the side."